At the conclusion of the English translation of Niels Hemmingsen’sThe Way of Life (1578) (Latin: Via Vitae)is a series of short prayers. The selection includes one “for the aid of God in the needful businesses of our vocation.” The (modernized)text reads:

“Give me understanding, O Lord, and assist my endeavors, that I may faithfully and diligently perform the works of my vocation, to the glory of yourname, the edification of your church, and modity of my neighbor.”

Hemmingsen was a significant Danish theologian in the sixteenth century, and a selection of his work on natural law is scheduled to appear in the ing Fall issue of theJournal of Markets & Morality. Subscribe today to get your copy when it es available.